Hexagram 27 of 64

Mouth Corners頤

Thunder at the foot of the mountain. The noble person is careful with words and moderate with food and drink.

Upper
Mountain
Lower
Thunder
Order
27 / 64
Pick a line to read it

貞吉。觀頤，自求口實。

Judgment: Steadiness brings good fortune. Watch how people nourish themselves and what they seek to fill their mouths.

山下有雷，頤；君子以慎言語，節飲食。

Image: Thunder at the foot of the mountain. The noble person is careful with words and moderate with food and drink.

In plain words

The situation: The theme is nourishment: what you take in and what you say.

What you can do: Mind your habits, and think about what really feeds you.

For culture and reflection only. Our own plain summary, not a translation.

The six lines

  1. 上九由頤，厲吉，利涉大川。The source of nourishment. Danger, but good fortune. It helps to cross the great river.In shortOthers rely on you; the weight is risky, but carrying it well pays off and big steps are possible.
  2. 六五拂經，居貞吉，不可涉大川。Going against the rule. Stay steady and settled: good fortune. Do not cross the great river.In shortWhen off your usual path, staying settled works well; do not take big risks now.
  3. 六四顛頤吉，虎視眈眈，其欲逐逐，无咎。Turned upside down for nourishment. Good fortune. A tiger stares intently, its hunger unending. No fault.In shortAsking for help in order to care for others works; with a clear focus and steady drive, there is no problem.
  4. 六三拂頤，貞凶，十年勿用，无攸利。Going against nourishment. Steadiness brings misfortune. Do not act for ten years. Nothing is gained.In shortGoing against proper ways of providing for yourself is unfavorable; it gains nothing for a long time.
  5. 六二顛頤，拂經，于丘頤，征凶。Turned upside down for nourishment, going against the rule, seeking it from the hill. Going on brings misfortune.In shortSeeking support from the wrong place goes against good sense; pushing ahead this way is unfavorable.
  6. 初九舍爾靈龜，觀我朵頤，凶。You let go of your sacred tortoise and watch me with hanging jaw. Misfortune.In shortDropping your own gifts to envy what others have is unfavorable; turn back to yourself.

Sources Zhou Yi. English by TaoDial.